Jair Bolsonaro rejects Michelle's presidential bid, eyes vice‑presidency if Flávio falters

Former president Jair Bolsonaro has confirmed he will not allow his wife, Michelle Bolsonaro, to run for president in the upcoming election. Allies say Bolsonaro fears she would become a target of a "heavy, dirty game" on the campaign trail and therefore prefers to keep her out of the top slot.

The family is instead considering Michelle for the vice‑presidential slot should their current front‑runner, Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, see his poll numbers continue to decline. Possible tickets under discussion include pairing Michelle with Goiás governor Ronaldo Caiado or former agriculture minister Tereza Cristina. Flávio remains the primary candidate for the PL despite a scandal over alleged private financing of the 2018 campaign film "Dark Horse" involving banker Daniel Vorcão, which has generated internal party pressure and could affect his electoral viability.